Who knows exactly when the next General Election will be held but the National Solidarity Party (NSP) is wasting no time to make First Contact with the reading population of Singapore, with the launch of two new books in two different languages today - Publish and Perish (in English) and Breaking the Hurdles (in Mandarin).
And where else can be a better place to hold a book launch than in Hong Lim Park, the Speakers' Corner of Singapore? Few probably know the NSP's office is actually a mere walking distance from Hong Lim Park, right in Hong Lim Complex.
The books, normally-priced at $19 (Publish & Perish) and $15 (Breaking the Hurdles), were sold at a special discounts at $12 and $10 respectively. In total, the NSP sold an amazing 120 copies in a fleeting two hours (5 pm - 7 pm)!
Organised events such as this attract more crowds than individuals who register ad hoc to speak. Over 150 people including newpaper reporters from various agencies gathered while the 5 speakers - NSP President Tan Chee Kien, Secretary-general Yip Yew Weng, Assistant Secretary-general Steve Chia, Treasurer Christopher Neo and the editor of NSP's English book, guest speaker James Gomez of Think Centre - took turns to present their views and opinions.
Later, the crowd also heard speeches delivered by Speakers' Corner regular Ronnie Lai and Singapore People's Party (SPP) Chairman Sin Kek Tong, who spoke in support of the NSP.
The collection of articles in both books are an archive of the NSP newsletter, The Solidarity (later renamed NSP News). Like J B Jeyaretnam's "Make it Right for Singapore", these materials have been read by the public. But to shrug off the materials in them as "old", "tired" or "repeated" like the PAP does might not be sagacious. Under a 42-year old system laid by the PAP in which some areas do not appear to have changed - such as exorbitant Ministerial Salaries and the nudging existence of the Internal Security Act (ISA) - these issues remain relevant to this day.
While NSP was once seen to be a party lacking in identity and dismissed by critics, today's launch measured the sentiments for their growing recognition and support. If there could be a rerun of the 1992 Marine Parade GRC by-election tomorrow, NSP could surely have fared better. Unfortunately, events cannot replay themselves like being in a time machine.
But not to fret for opposition sympathisers. The NSP men clearly know a big opportunity is in their way - the upcoming GE - and with this campaigning exercise to raise political awareness, not just for their party interests but for the Solidarity of the people, they are gearing all up with "two powerful weapons" to prepare for it.
